Gakuranmanhttp://gakuran.com
Thrilling tales of adventure and stories about haikyo, urban exploration and travel off the beaten track from Gakuranman in Japan.Sun, 29 Mar 2015 16:01:45 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Finally! New English Road Signs in Japan!http://gakuran.com/new-english-road-signs-in-japan/
http://gakuran.com/new-english-road-signs-in-japan/#commentsMon, 02 Feb 2015 16:22:45 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11387It’s been a long time coming, but it seems Tokyo winning the 2020 bid for the Olympics and the surge in visits from foreign tourists in recent years has kicked some bigwigs into action. The old practice of showing ‘Romaji’ – Japanese words written using English characters – on signs is ending since its inception […]

]]>It’s been a long time coming, but it seems Tokyo winning the 2020 bid for the Olympics and the surge in visits from foreign tourists in recent years has kicked some bigwigs into action. The old practice of showing ‘Romaji’ – Japanese words written using English characters – on signs is ending since its inception back in 1986. In its place will be proper English translations for major landmarks and road signs.
The centralgovernment and Tokyo metropolitan government started replacing signs back in August 2013 on a trial basis, and the consensus seems to be that’s it’s definitely better for foreign guests who can’t read signs like ‘Shiyakushomae’ (‘City Hall’). Other signs are a mess, with some showing the English reading ‘Yoyogi Park’ while other signs are read by the romanised version ‘Yoyogi Koen’. So, the changes are expanding, with the goal being for stupendous English signage across all major tourist landmarks by 2020.

Road names and the naming for other placemarks will also change. ‘Asakusa-dori’ will become ‘Asakusa-dori Ave.’, for example, and ‘Abobashi Nishi’ in Himeji is becoming ‘Abo Bridge West’. One of the tricky points here however, is that sometimes the descriptive Japanese suffix like ‘hashi’ for ‘bridge’ or ‘kawa’ for ‘river’ actually end up becoming part of the landmarks. Removing them can sometimes make places harder to find!

As an ex-CIR myself, this is particularly interesting for me, as a part of my job involved romanisation of signs and other Japanese text for tourists and foreigners living in Japan. Often I was torn between leaving the original romanisation, which very often has actually become the defacto place name itself, or switching to English translations to actually make the sign understandable to visitors. Quite often the tradeoff was to leave the Japanese and add a clarifying word of English.

Take for example ‘Kogawa’ – ‘Small River’. Translating this as ‘Ko River’ becomes unintelligible. Generally in cases like these with only one syllable (mora), my preferred practice was to leave the suffix in and add the English – Kogawa River, for example. It will be interesting to see how the Japanese government handles cases like these, and hopefully it doesn’t take things too far…

Interestingly, certain words like ‘Onsen’ which had originally been translated as ‘Spa’ on certain signs are being returned to the Japanese reading, because of the popularity of the word overseas. Tourists actually ask to visit an ‘onsen’ more than a ‘spa’.

Of course, not everything is peachy. Japan still insists on calling its Parliament the ‘National Diet‘, using an archaic term from the Meiji era. As such, the sign that used to show ‘Kokkaimae’ will now read ‘National Diet’.

A small, casual survey of foreign visitors asking them to sketch what they thought ‘National Diet’ meant showed, as expected, a plethora of typical Japanese food items. The government have thus ensured the entertainment of thousands of giggling tourists and countless selfies in front of the sign for years to come. Not necessarily a bad thing, perhaps!

]]>http://gakuran.com/new-english-road-signs-in-japan/feed/0The Tower of Skullshttp://gakuran.com/the-tower-of-skulls/
http://gakuran.com/the-tower-of-skulls/#commentsThu, 01 Jan 2015 21:44:44 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11330Lurking in the darkness of some haikyo are sights that are so chilling that they seem almost unreal. Scenes that make me stop and wonder if perhaps I’m the target of a sick, practical joke. Or perhaps I’m twelve years old again and have somehow been sucked inside one of my beloved adventure video games. […]

]]>Lurking in the darkness of some haikyo are sights that are so chilling that they seem almost unreal. Scenes that make me stop and wonder if perhaps I’m the target of a sick, practical joke. Or perhaps I’m twelve years old again and have somehow been sucked inside one of my beloved adventure video games. Because what I’m looking must be some sort of fantasy. Real people don’t actually create stuff like this. Do they..?

The following tale is without a doubt one of the creepiest explorations I’ve ever experienced. A bizarre discovery with potential cult connections and descriptions of deplorable sexual rituals, readers with a faint heart would do well to stop reading now.

Still here..?

Of course you are. Well, you’ve been duly warned!

Come, then, and join me as I explore the abominable Tower of Skulls (髑髏塔).

A Brisk Morning Walk

It’s early morning, almost exactly a year ago today, and a bitter cold air snaps as my face as I walk towards my destination. The first rays of light are breaking over the horizon and an orangey-red glow hits the homes around me. I can hear the sounds of life from within; elderly residents stirring from their slumber. I hasten onwards, eager to find my mark for the day before they are fully awake.

Not much is known about the bizarre building I’m headed to. It sits in a quiet, rural town and would almost be invisible were it not for its strange, pyramid-like shape and beastly black exterior. The limbs of scraggy trees reach up around it, like a giant hand trying to conceal the eyesore, perhaps in an attempt to pull it back underground and hide it forever.

I see it ahead of me now and wander off the road towards the back of the structure. Back entrances are my preferred point of entry, although they can be quite unpredictable. Sometimes I may spend a good hour or two laboriously finding my way through untamed forest or travelling along rough trails to reach them, only to find they are heavily locked up or inaccessible. Other times, like today, the portal to ruin is easily found. A door has been cut out of the base of the stone pyramid, and I hop easily inside.

It takes my eyes a while to adjust to the darkness inside, but gradually the lumpy shapes of piles and piles of rubbish emerge. Old household items strewn haphazardly across the floor in every direction and then, a shadow shifts by the wall. Did I just imagine that..?

“…Oh!” I’m startled by the sound of my own voice.

“Good morning to you, Neko-chan. You caught me quite by surprise!” I exclaim.

A frumpy cat watches me intently from the gloom before springing down from its bed and out the open door. I feel a little more energised by its presence. Feral cats making the basement their home is a good sign this place is well and truly abandoned!

Ladders to Heaven

Although not a very tall structure, the title of ‘tower’ is a very fitting name for this haikyo, because for one to fully explore the building, a scramble over several floors is required. Staring up at the first trapdoor from the junk-filled basement, I can see the way to the second floor above. Sunlight pours through the opening, beckoning me skywards, but there’s one big problem. The ladder to take me there has long since rotted away. It’s going to take a few acrobatics for me to reach the second level…

Not a problem. A few minutes later, I’ve crafted myself a makeshift ladder from the debris scattered around and haul myself up through the opening. Dust falls as the wooden floorboards creak a little under my weight. I find myself in what appears to be the main room of this abode. A rusty refrigerator sits precariously in the corner with a big hole in the floor next to it, and furniture is packed around the outer walls, with a large iron bedframe taking up most of the space. Quite how the owner got all these items into this building I don’t know, but there’s barely room to walk around here, let alone take pictures.

The main focus of this room, and the entire structure for that matter, is the central concrete pillar holding everything else up. On each of its faces, I see elaborate paintings of various deities, a mixture of good and evil sprites. Gods and demons.

The artist seems to be quite skilled; clearly these paintings are not just mere graffiti left by some local vandals. That said, small elements betray the hand of an amateur. The head and limbs seem annoyingly out of proportion to the body, and there’s a rough nature to the drawings that suggest a work borne out of passion rather than profession.

Aside from the central pillar, I notice similar curious paintings lining the outer walls. Most of them are concealed by the furniture packed into the tiny chamber however, and I can only make out a few strange eyes and mouthless heads poking out.

Curious and curiouser. Just what sort of person used to live here..? I wonder.

And why paint your house with pictures of gods and demons?

The mysterious tower was certainly not disappointing.

I scout around the room for clues on the former owner. A few pages of a magazine showing oldschool prostitutes and some karaoke cassette tapes. There were also a couple of pages from a photo album. Although heavily water-damaged, I could make out one curly-haired man who seemed to be captured in quite a few of the scenes. Perhaps a former resident here, or a relative?

Entry to the third floor was a little easier than the second, although just like the basement, the ladder leading there had disappeared. Using the surrounding furniture I was able to stretch up and scramble inside. Just like the basement, this room was full of crap. Empty beer cans and plastic bags, old food containers and magazines littered the floor to such an extent that it was impossible to take a step without feeling something unpleasant crunch and squish underneath. Worryingly, a couple of large holes had opened up in the floor, so I proceeded to tiptoe with caution.

This room seemed to be something of a bedroom and had a spacious quality the second floor lacked. Remnants of a musical past were everywhere. A large amp and speaker, lyrics and music to ‘Bloody Sabbath’. A retro sweatshirt from the rockband ‘Rainbow’ and several classic rock magazines with cassette tapes spoke volumes about the former inhabitant – one Hirokazu Hasegawa, as the name penned into a baseball cap would suggest.

A metal bunkbed was balanced in the corner and a perverted pair of dirty knickers hung from a cheap, plastic laundry line, swaying a little from an unknown draught. But while the rock memorabilia and undergarments were interesting, again the central pillar of the tower fought for my attention. Here more bright paintings of gods adorned the walls, and faded letters were scrawled into the side of the building, as if a warning to explorers.

At the Top of the Tower

Much to my relief, the trapdoor leading to the fourth floor of the tower still has a chunky wooden staircase leading upwards. I peer nervously out of the opening and let my eyes adjust to the bright morning light flooding inside. Just like the other chambers, strange drawings cover the four walls and the central pillar, lavishly decorated with the image of a holy goddess, commands most of my immediate attention. But something feels different about this room.

It feels as though…I’m being watched?

My eyes lock onto the cause and I draw in my breath sharply. Over on the far side of the chamber, resting beneath the sunburst, is what must surely be an homemade altar. On it, a most terrible sight.

Dozens of bottomless black eyes stare back at me with gnarled teeth and twisted grins. Skulls, stacked in layers like cans on a kitchen shelf. An offering of some sort? I shudder and inch closer.

The beige, pockmarked complexions and rough shapes look to be moulded by a creator. Each one bearing a different mangled expression from the last. I reach out and touch one, confirming my suspicions, and almost audibly sigh in relief. They aren’t skulls from this world, at least. No bone here, but clay, fired in a kiln somewhere and crafted into these shrunken heads.

In front of the altar is a frayed straw mat, several jars and containers and a pile of dusty books and sutras. I notice a set of Buddhist prayer beads and the telltale grey ash from incense burned at previous ceremonies. Here, it seems, our host would perform rituals.

But I’ve never seen any sort of Buddhist ceremony like this. Indeed, I’ve never even seen a skull on show in a Buddhist temple, although according to my research, they can sometimes be found, such as in the hand of the Thousand Armed Kannon or adorning an elder’s staff. In Buddhism, the skull supposedly conquers demonic influences and serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life.

But why the need for this many skulls? And why have them on display like this?And furthermore, what on earth is something like this doing in a home?

The books in front of the altar may give us some clues. Aside from the sutras, indecipherable to a layman such as myself, I find a death register. Inside are the names of many people, all noted as having living in and around the immediate area. It doesn’t seem to be a personal family death register, but perhaps the skulls are icons, one for each of the deceased? But why pray for them here? And again, why the use of skulls for this ritual?

Another book is entitled ‘Eleven Stories of The Condemned‘ (死刑囚十一話) written by former lawyer Fuse Tatsuji, famous for his work defending human rights and humanitarian efforts saving many Koreans during the colonial era that earned him the title of ‘Japanese Schindler’. The book details eleven stories of people condemned by the death penalty and serves as a memorial for those who died.

Perhaps the former inhabitant here lost a relative by the death penalty? Perhaps the skulls and prayer rituals are an attempt to redeem these lost souls..?

I’m lost in thought before my attention snaps back to the gaze of one of the skulls.

Hellish Skull Rituals

There is a much darker possible explanation for the skulls, however. A sect known for its use of craniums in an offshoot of an esoteric arm of Buddhism. Very little information about the practitioners still exists today, as it was outlawed in the 13th century and most of the teachings were destroyed by other monks due to their deplorable nature…

First though, a little background.

Mikkyo (密教 or ‘secret teachings’) is otherwise known as Esoteric Buddhism, for its teachings are passed down orally and by spiritual experience in contrast to the Exoteric Buddhism that teaches mainly by use of textbooks and in large groups. Mikkyo has two main sects: Shingon and Tendai.

Of the two, Shingon Buddhism practices only Mikkyo teachings (with perhaps exceptions for ‘standard’ Buddhist rites such as funerals, blessings and prayers), and believes that enlightenment can be attained in a single lifetime by following these teachings. Because of its esoteric nature and the lack of written material however, much of Mikkyo and its doctrines are still closely-guarded secrets, only being unveiled person-to-person, once a student is ready to be initiated. Some of the Mikkyo teachings include ‘magic rituals’ that supposedly helped improve harvests, avert natural disasters and exorcise demons, among many others.

What is interesting to me is the multitude of Buddhas found in Mikkyo. Each has a diverse range of characteristics, much like the colourful paintings in the tower and are used as visual images to facilitate spiritual practices. In addition, practitioners of Mikkyo often use various objects in their rituals, many of which were found at the altar I discovered, although they certainly aren’t unusual by themselves.

The skulls however, could point to a much darker subsect of Shingon Buddhism. That of the Tachikawa-ryu. Founded in 1113 by the monk Ninkan, the Tachikawa sect used sexual energy in its rituals as a means of obtaining enlightenment. In very basic terms, the union of male and female is seen to be the source of all phenomena, so by performing ritual sex, one aims by experience to identify with the deity as a means to attaining enlightenment.

“Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman is the supreme buddha activity. Sex is the source of intense pleasure, the root of creation, necessary for every living being, and a natural act of regeneration. To be united as a man and woman is to united with Buddha.”

Most infamously, this sexual energy was incorporated with humans skulls in the ‘Tachikawa Skull Ritual‘, as detailed by the monk Shinjo (a small excerpt):

“If anyone would practice this secret Dharma (Ritual) and attain great Siddhi (magical powers), he must construct an object of worship (honzon). I do not refer to the auspicious face of a woman here; this Misogi (purification Rite) is a skull. … (T)he officiant uses the original skull. To this he adds a chin, puts in a tongue and teeth, and covers the bone with a hard lacquer so that it looks just like the unblemished flesh of a living person. When the skull has been completely formed, he places it in a box. Then he must have sexual intercourse with the skull and with a beautiful and willing woman, and must repeatedly wipe the liquid product (the mixture of male and female seminal and vaginal secretions) of this act on the skull until it reaches 120 layers. Each night at midnight he must burn “Spirit returning” incense (frankincense/hangon-kō), pass the smoke through the eye holes of the skull, and chant a “spirit returning” mantra fully and perfectly one thousand times.”

Further notes from Shinjo go on to clarify the use of skulls in religious rituals as a means to obtaining magical powers. He notes that it is particularly prominent in the tantric forms of Buddhism. Further, the act of passing the smoke of incense through the eyes holes of a skull, the windows to the soul, is to empower it with prayer or thought

Q/ “Why is a skull used?”
A/ The bodies of living beings contain ten spiritual essences- three hun (kon – Jpn.) souls and seven p’o (haku – Jpn.). When a person dies, the three hun souls disperse and suffer rebirth in the Rokudō (six realms of transmigration), while the seven p’o souls linger about their old body as guardian spirits in this miserable world (人道/Nindo- realm of human form). The spirits that appear in ocular dreams are all manifestations of the seven p’o souls. When the practitioner takes a skull and carries out the Rite of carefully nourishing it, the seven p’o souls are happy to grant him the worldly fortune he seeks. If he draws the mandala and insets the secret charms, he will attain mastery of those occult powers appropriate to the mighty powers of the particular charms and mandalas used. This is why there are several types of installation ritual.”

Whether or not the former resident of this tower practised Mikkyo or its dark subsect the Tachikawa-ryu is a mystery. From the items found inside, we can at least know that the inhabitant was heavily influenced by Buddhist teachings and had a particular penchant for visual representations and iconographic elements. We also know that, for this person, death and the afterlife were topics close to heart. It seems plausible that the entire structure of the building could have been built around the idea of travel to an afterlife, potentially with each level of the tower representing stages of an ascent. Perhaps someone with better knowledge than I can shed light on the deities in the wall paintings.

The use of skulls in Buddhism is often as a reminder of the impermanence of life, but why so many roughly crafted clay skulls were set up on an altar in this way is quite strange. Perhaps it was a special ritual to pray for the souls of deceased loved ones? There were certainly markers inside, indicative of lost relatives. Perhaps though the skulls were used in a more sinister ritual with the aim of attaining magical powers? It’s impossible to say for sure. Whether sexual rituals were involved is pure speculation, although I think it unlikely that anything as dark as the Tachikawa Skull Ritual was actually practiced here.

As strange as the Skull Tower is then, perhaps it was just a single person’s passionate devotion to Buddhism and those since departed. A local priest, or a lone student of the religion. Somebody with a painful loss whose regular household Buddhist altar grew to become the household itself.

As is often the case, I leave the building with far more questions than I had going in and a feeling that I’ve had the honour of witnessing something intensely private and personal. I hope that the people connected to the place found peace.

*Hat tip to Hakkaku Bunkakan. They have a brand new publication out which includes this location, and perhaps even an explanation about its history!?*

]]>http://gakuran.com/the-tower-of-skulls/feed/3Top 50 Japanese Buzzwords of 2014http://gakuran.com/top-50-japanese-buzzwords-2014/
http://gakuran.com/top-50-japanese-buzzwords-2014/#commentsWed, 19 Nov 2014 14:20:07 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11283Continuing an annual tradition here on Gakuran.com, I’m back translating the Japanese buzzwords for 2014. Fresh new expressions and frequently used phrases from this year, providing a glimpse into the national psyche. The list is compiled every year by Jiyu Kokuminsha, publishing 50 nominees and then choosing the top 10 winning words in early December. […]

]]>Continuing an annual tradition here on Gakuran.com, I’m back translating the Japanese buzzwords for 2014. Fresh new expressions and frequently used phrases from this year, providing a glimpse into the national psyche. The list is compiled every year by Jiyu Kokuminsha, publishing 50 nominees and then choosing the top 10 winning words in early December. So, let’s see what terms were making headlines in Japan!

You can view the previous years below:2011 – Many words from the 11th March disaster, the Great East Japan Earthquake.2012 – A smattering of words related to the London Olympics and anti-nuclear demonstrations.2013 – Je je je, Abenomics and Omotenashi. 2013 was a varied year.

**********

1. Shining Women (kagayaku jyosei – 輝く女性)

Prime Minister Abe used the phrase ‘shining women’ during his introductory comments to a meeting discussing the importance of helping women reach their full potential in today’s society and issues preventing them from doing so. Abe said that the government will increasingly provide support for women, both those working inside the home as well as outside the home, highlighting their importance for Japan’s social and economic growth.

2. STAP cells exist (STAP saibou wa arimasu – ＳＴＡＰ細胞はあります)

Biologist Haruko Obokata made headlines when she announced that she had discovered STAP (Stimulus-Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency) cells, that can be grown into any tissue in the body. However, discrepancies were found in her research paper and, following a damning investigation by RIKEN, she was charged with two counts of scientific misconduct. While being questioned by the press over these allegations however, she still resolutely asserted that STAP cells in fact exist. She later agreed to retract the papers but, with the continuing controversy, her mentor Yoshiki Sasai committed suicide in August.

3. Back-Building (bakku birudingu – バックビルディング)

Referring to a type of severe rainfall that is the result of a multi-cell thunderstorm. The storm appears stationary on a radar or moving in a backwind direction. I’ll skip the technical explanation, but it leads to severe flash flooding such as the kind seen in the Hiroshima area this August as a result heavy rainfall in a fixed area.

4. Decomposed Granite (masatsuchi – まさ土)

A geological quality present over large areas of Hiroshima leading to greater risk of landslides, destruction and ultimately the loss of human life seen after heavy rainfall in the area this year.

5. Trickle-Down (torikkuru daun – トリクルダウン)

The Trickle-Down Theory that dictates the upper-class becoming wealthy leads to the lower-class also becoming wealthy.

6. Dengue Fever (dengu-netsu – デング熱)

The mosquito-borne dengue virus was discovered in Tokyo and thought to be originating from Yoyogi Park. There were many confirmed cases of infection, with symptoms such as severe muscle pain and fever. The park was cordoned-off for a period while the outbreak was dealt with.

7. No. No no! (dame yo~dame dame – ダメよ～ダメダメ)

The newest comedy buzzword from duo ‘Japan Electric Union’. Posing as a dutch wife with white face paint, Akemi responds to her elderly suitor Hosogai’s advances with a robotic ‘No. No no!’

8. 2025 Problem (nisen-nijyugo-nen mondai – ２０２５年問題)

The year was the baby boomer generation will be over 75 years of age – that is 1 in 4 people will be over 75. These baby boomers who have been paying the welfare benefits of the current elderly generation will become in need of them, putting a lot of stress on the system and potentially throwing it out of balance.

9. Dangerous Drugs (kiken doraggu – 危険ドラッグ)

A new type of drug once collectively known as ‘Law-Evading Drugs’. Due to their chemical composition they initially avoided being classified as illegal substances and have been making regular headlines this year due to their powerful effects on users. Along with the National Police Agency, the the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare have officially renamed this new type of drugs as ‘Dangerous Drugs’.

10. Ice Bucket Challenge (aisu baketsu charenji – アイス・バケツ・チャレンジ)

The viral social media campaign during July-August that saw everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbour dumping buckets of ice-cold water over themselves in ostensibly raise awareness and money for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). It was also a hit in Japan.

11. Housework Harassment (kaji hara – 家事ハラ)

Contempt for those who perform the housework, or deriding their efforts. Traditionally the woman of the household does the housework, but with the rise in dual-income households, increasing men are helping out with the chores. However, their efforts don’t often measure up, which can lead to derision from their spouse. It became a buzzword after Asahi-Kasei Homes created an amusing video on highlighting the issue and coining the term.

12. Maternity Harassment (mata hara – マタハラ)

Coming into the spotlight after a female physiotherapist in Hiroshma was demoted following her pregnancy and proceeded to file a lawsuit against the hospital, with the Supreme Court ruling in her favour. It is now used to refer to words or actions that discriminate against women on the basis of pregnancy or childbirth, particularly when it involves employment issues.

13. As I Am (ari no mama de – ありのままで)

The Japanese version of the hit Disney film ‘Frozen’ song features the line ‘ari no mama de’ as the lyrical translation to ‘let it go’ in the popular song of the same name. This line has had people across the country bursting out in song. It literally means ‘as I am’.

14. Let It Go (rerigo – レリゴー)

The Japanese version of ‘Frozen’ is titled ‘Anna and the Snow Princess’ (often film titles are re-written to be more description in Japanese). However, despite the quality dubbing of Disney’s hit, the original song struck a chord so well with its audience that fans were soon trying to singing the original line too: Let It Go~~!

15. Kopitto (kopitto – こぴっと)

A word from the Koushu-accent in Yamanashi prefecture, made popular from the NHK serialised drama ‘Hanako and Anne’, just like ‘Je-je-je’ was popularised from last year’s Ama-chan drama. The word means ‘ちゃんと’ or ‘しっかり’ in Japanese – roughly translating to ‘properly’, but notable for its cute sound.

16. Take Care (gokigenyou – ごきげんよう)

The closing word from the Hanako and Anne NHK drama meaning ‘take care’. Usually a formal greeting used by wealthy upper class ladies when meeting or departing.

17. Little Honda (ritoru honda – リトル本田)

Football wonder Keisuke Honda caught the attention of the media with his unusual response about his decision to play for AC Milan. ‘I asked the Little Me in my heart: What team do you really want to play for?’ The answer was ‘AC Milan’.

18. J-Wedding (je-kon – Ｊ婚)

A wedding to a member of the Japanese Self Defense Force (known in Japanese as the ‘Jieitai’). Due to the attention on the Self Defense Force this year surrounding changes to Japan’s policy and also for the SDF role in rebuilding Japan after 3.11, young women are eyeing up potential suitors. Apparently places at match-making parties with members of the SDF are filled quickly.

19. Ghost Writer (gosuto raitaa – ゴーストライター)

Mamoru Samuragochi, a composer dubbed the ‘digital age Beethoven’ for being deaf, became the centre of attention in a news story this year when it was revealed that his hearing disability wasn’t as bad as made out to be. During the process, his ghostwriter for 18 years, Takashi Niigaki, revealed that the composer actually had normal hearing. The story in part was heightened due to a song thought to be composed by Samuragochi being used for an Olympic figure skating piece.

20. Tamori-Loss (tamarosu – タモロス)

The long-running television program ‘Waratte-ii tomo’ finished on 31st March this year causing people to feel a sense of loss for its host Tamori.

21. Mild Yankees (mairudo yankii – マイルドヤンキー)

Young people who like EXILE, minivans, words like ‘bond’, ‘family’ and ‘friends’ and don’t like to move away from their hometown are now nicknamed ‘Mild Yankees’. ‘Yankee’ is traditionally a word to refer to reckless delinquents from the 1970s, but have seen a decline in recent years being replaced by their milder counterparts. The grouping is said to be large enough that their consumption habits will have an influence on the economy.

22. Revenge Pornography (ribenji poruno – リベンジポルノ)

The act of putting naked pictures of one’s former spouse or lover on the internet following a divorce or breakup.

23. Schoolgirl Business (jee kee bijinesu – ＪＫビジネス)

The business sold by high school girls or ‘Jyoshi Kousei’. It can include a range of services, such as gazing lovingly, knee-pillow, ear-clearing, massages and simply laying down next to the client. The general sales point is ‘being in close contact with a young lady of schoolgirl age’, generally performing non-sexual services. However, problems arise when these lines are (quite often) crossed by either party.

24. Magnificent Places (zekkei – 絶景)

A popular bucket list of beautiful places to visit, beginning in popularity in 2013 with global locations and culmulating in a top selling book on Amazon, the trend has continued with a second book of breathtaking Japanese spots to visit before you die. There’s also a very popular Facebook group dedicated to sharing and re-sharing photos.

25. Legend (rejendo – レジェンド)

Referring to the ski jumper Noriaki Kasai nicknamed the ‘Legend’, competing for over 20 years and still setting records (the oldest ski jumper to win an Olympic medal) at even over 40 years of age. A real team player and all-round super guy.

26. Yuzu (yuzu – ゆづ)

The popular figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, on a success streak is gaining ‘Yuzu’ fans rapidly with his looks and amazing skating ability. He demonstrated enormous resolve by competing in the free skate event in China and still won a silver medal despite receiving a very serious head injury during warm up.

27. Yokai Watch (youkai watch – 妖怪ウォッチ)

An incredibly popular video game that has taken hold of kids all across Japan, spawning a television show and countless merchandise that is constantly sold out. It’s essentially the next Pokemon, with ghosts and monsters from Japanese folklore, and its impact shows no sign of slowing down.

28. Salty Reception (shiotaiou – 塩対応)

Referring to a ‘salty’ reception from one’s idol, made (in)famous by AKB member Haruka Shimazaki for her poor treatment of fans. Fans of Japan’s popular idol groups spend abnormally large amounts of money to receive tickets to events when they can meet the stars, and then spend a long time in line waiting to meet them, so they are understandably upset when receiving cold, heartless treatment. The opposite is known as 神対応 (kamitaiou), a ‘godly’ warm and welcoming reception.

29. Mounting Girls (mauntingu (jyoshi) – マウンティング（女子）)

Girls trying to one-up one another while pretending to be nice. In other words, trying to see who ranks on top. A so-called ‘battle of smiles’. The ‘mounting’ part comes from the animal kingdom where one animal will try to mount the other to assert dominance. Although as many women (especially Japanese women) no doubt know, maintaining social grace, an air of friendship and civility must not be forgotten despite this battle to prove oneself superior.

30. Screw-up Girls (kojirase jyoshi – こじらせ女子)

Also appearing in last year’s buzzword list, these are girls who unwittingly say and do things that make the opposite sex off.

31. Cross Dresser (jyosoko – 女装子)

An amalgamation of ‘child’ and ‘girls’ clothing’, this is yet another way to refer to a guy who enjoys dressing up in girls’ clothing. It is used to describe people who enjoy it as part of their everyday lives as well as those just cosplaying.

32. Weeping Interview (goukyu kaiken – 号泣会見)

The unprecedented breakdown of former politician Ryutaro Nonomura this year during a press conference where he was grilled on his dubious use of public funds for personal leisure and travel expenses. Such was the debacle that news outlets overseas also picked up the story and he became an internet sensation, in all the wrong ways.

33. Sexist Heckling (sekuhara yaji – セクハラやじ)

The heckling outbursts from male members of an opposing party during the Tokyo Assembly towards Your Party politician Ayaka Shiomura as she attempted to raise discussion on women facing difficulty with pregnancy. ‘Go and get married already’. ‘What’s the matter, can’t you bear children?’. The sexist remarks drew criticism from both inside and outside Japan.

Traditionally Article 9 of Japan’s pacifist constitution has not allowed Japan to assist allies under attack, but the Abe Cabinet’s steadfast reinterpretation of this issue on July 1st marks a controversial turning point in for Japan and its Self Defense Force.

35. Limited Approval (gentei younin – 限定容認)

Under the basis of protecting national security, the Abe Cabinet changed Japan’s constitution to grant limited approval to the collective use of self defense, aiding allies when under attack.

36. Proactive Pacificism (sekkyokuteki heiwashugi – 積極的平和主義)

The Abe strategy of proactive pacifism to deter China and give Japan more flexibility in its use of the Self Defense Forces.

Referring to a worker operating a shift by themself, especially in drinking or eating establishments late at night.

40. 50-50 (haafu haafu – ハーフハーフ)

Figure skating ace Mao Asada’s reply to the question as to whether she will keep on skating: it’s a 50-50 right now.

41. Disappearing Cities (shoumetsu-kanousei-toshi – 消滅可能性都市)

Literally ‘cities which may potentially disappear’ due to Japan’s ageing population and migration of younger people towards central hubs and metropolis like Tokyo. According to a May report, around half of Japan’s municipalities (896 localities) may disappear if measures aren’t taken to boost population numbers in those areas. That’s potentially a lot of haikyo…

42. Wall Bump (kabe don – 壁ドン)

A romantic concept that has rapidly gained popularity this past year across all media that sees a man banging his hand onto a wall while closing in on the object of his affections. While seemingly a threatening or menacing gesture, when done right it apparently displays confidence and sets a lady’s heart a-flutter.

43. Euglena (midori-mushi – ミドリムシ)

A microorganism touted for its various nutritional properties and potential application in biofuel.

44. Anniversary of a Broken Constitution (kaiken kinenbi – 壊憲記念日)

1st July is being referred to as the day Japan’s pacifist constitution was broken with the Abe Cabinet reinterpreting Japan’s pacifist stance to further US-Japan relations and allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self defense when an ally is under attack. This decision was controversial, with a majority of the public being shown to stand against it.

45. Islamic State (isuramu-koku – イスラム国)

As with most of the rest of the world, the Islamic State (ISIS) rebel group made headlines with their graphic beheadings and terrorist threats.

46. Umbrella Revolution (amagasa kakumei – 雨傘革命)

Protests from the young people of Hong Kong demanding true democracy in response to China’s increasing role in the country’s politics. The umbrella icon was forged when protesters used umbrellas to protect themselves against tear gas used by police forces attempting to control the crowds.

47. Daytime Face (hirugao – 昼顔)

The Fuji Television drama ‘Daytime Face’ garnered ratings of 16% on its final episode. A show mostly about adultery, it manages to show its protagonists in the best light and appeal to viewers despite the moral issues.

48. Salt & Lemon (shio lemon – 塩レモン)

A condiment popularised by an NHK morning show Asa-ichi, it is being hailed as an all-purpose seasoning.

49. Bit Coin (bittokoinu – ビットコイン)

With the collapse of Mt. Gox in February losing about 850,000 bitcoins and the online payment system ‘Bitcheck’ launched in Japan this September, the P2P currency is making the news.

50. Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (ebora shukketsunetsu – エボラ出血熱)

The outbreak of Ebola in 2014 was and continues to be a major topic and potential threat around the world. Japan had its own scare at one point when it was thought somebody may have entered the country carrying the deadly virus. The outbreak began in West Africa and is classified with a biosafety level of 4 – the highest threat – with the spread rampant. The disease is often fatal if untreated and easily spread through droplets of blood, water and other bodily fluids.

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Which buzzwords do you think will be picked for this year’s top 10? Let me know in the comments!

]]>http://gakuran.com/top-50-japanese-buzzwords-2014/feed/6The Eccentric Mr. Innards and His Golden Kingdomhttp://gakuran.com/eccentric-mr-innards-golden-kingdom/
http://gakuran.com/eccentric-mr-innards-golden-kingdom/#commentsWed, 05 Nov 2014 17:48:52 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11182Hurrah! Autumn is here! The lands are awash in rich reds and heavenly golds and I, tired of the relentless greys of the city, am positively tingling to get out of Tokyo. Nothing beats a warm fall day in Japan, except perhaps one spent in the company of a good friend in a spectacular haikyo. […]

]]>Hurrah! Autumn is here! The lands are awash in rich reds and heavenly golds and I, tired of the relentless greys of the city, am positively tingling to get out of Tokyo. Nothing beats a warm fall day in Japan, except perhaps one spent in the company of a good friend in a spectacular haikyo. Lucky for us that’s just what is in store.

It’s been far too long, friend. Well over a year in fact, since I regaled you with the details of my latest adventure in the ruins of Japan. The house of a long forgotten photographer, riddled with fragments of a secret life, perhaps unknown even to close friends.

That’s not to say that I’ve been resting on my laurels however. Since then I’ve been Stateside tackling the beastly ruins of Detroit, making friends with French police and their pet guard dogs, and even unearthing a hoard of skulls used for some mysterious ritual. Stories for another day, though.

A Gold Lining to His Wooden Abode

Today I’d like to take you with me to the countryside of Japan. In the not too distant lands to the west lies a school, slumbering peacefully in a quaint little town. Not a particularly unusual find by any means – Japan is full of wooden schools and clinics dotted around the far reaches of its countryside. But a top class location nonetheless, thanks in no small part to its sole remaining inhabitant – the so-called ‘Mr. Innards’.

Mr Innards has been alone here for some time now, likely circa 1985 when this building was closed and the school merged with another. The school’s history dates back as far as 1872 however, the original building itself being destroyed in a fire. According to records, some of the students were forced to use the facilities of a nearby temple for their studies while the school was being rebuilt.

Since being closed, the school has seen a smattering of activity in its use as a location for a television drama, and catering to the ageing local residents for their games of croquet. But otherwise, the only people to come creeping around the wooden walkways these days are curious adventurers like myself.

On a day like today however, the school seems to resonate. A hub of activity as the low Autumn sun hits its walls and fills the corridors with life once more. Bright yellows and metallic oranges burst through every crack and crevice. The Kingdom of Mr. Innards is alive once more!

And what’s that!?

A marvellous smell drifts from a sea of fallen fan-shaped leaves in front of the school, slowly being cooked in the sunlight. The golden leaves rustle and crunch in a most satisfying way as I walk through them. The smell is so inviting that I’m compelled to shut my eyes as I bring a handful of them close to my nose and inhale the delicious odour: like warm jam being toasted with peaches. Oh man!

Usually ginkgo trees are known not for their pleasant smell but rather their unpleasant smell. It is said that it falls somewhere between rancid butter and vomit (although only when the fruit actually starts rotting). But I care not for this fact right now. Clearly Mr. Innards is inviting us inside with a carpet of pure bliss.

My haikyo comrade Ben wrinkles his brow with a concerned look as I sniff around the leaf litter on all fours.

“Best be getting inside Mike.”

He motions towards a new friend, also intrigued by the fruity golden leaves. A well-kept pooch is headed our way, with a local owner likely not far behind.

Another World

We slip quickly between a man-sized gap in the door and scoot inside the old school building. Quite in contrast to the fruity smell outside, in here a dry must greets us. The planks on the floors and staircase give a little with every step, reminding us of their age. Each footstep echoes around the hollow walls of the classrooms.

We whisper to one another in the silence while trying to keep our movements to a minimum. There’s still the possibility that our friend is outside with his owner, and the last thing we want is to be kicked out before we’ve met the esteemed Mr. Innards.

Avoiding the first floor then, we immerse ourselves in the items left behind on the second floor. It’s not long before I make my first discovery. While Ben is busy snapping away at a lonely Kaiser keyboard, I’m flicking through a collection of old black and white photographs straight out of the Meiji era. I’ve never seen these photos online before, but here they were – a grand collection of memories, quite like the erotic dry plates we discovered in the red villas previously.

Some with beautifully ornate vintage borders and that weathered look impossible to perfectly replicate. All touched off with a dusting of butterfly wings and deceased insects. No really, they were lying right there just begging to be in the picture!

Each room had something to offer, even if it was just four walls and a calm solitude. And in some ways, it helped balance the thrill of discovering hidden objects like the photos above. I was so engrossed in taking pictures that Ben had to drag me out of the first room! He was worried we wouldn’t even make it to our second location of the day!

Heading his advice, we set off in search of the eccentric Mr Innards.

“Let’s get our anatomical friend out the way then, just in case something happens” I say.
“Sounds good to me. Perhaps he’s downstairs..?” Ben suggests.

We descend, checking one room after the next and coming up empty. A bland looking staffroom, with fresh cigarette butts and a relatively new calendar on the wall. A storeroom stuffed the ceiling with boxes of rock samples and a vintage radio. A cluttered entrance hallway. No sign of him, and I’m starting to get nervous…

“What if someone made off with him?” I pose the question to Ben.
“I’m gonna be really disappointed if we came all this way and he’s gone…”

“There’s still a room or two left past the entrance. Maybe he’s hanging out in there?” Ben replies.

I turn the corner and peer inside…

The Eccentric Mr. Innards

Propped up near the blackboard inside a small classroom was a slender figure bearing the shadowy contours of a human. Yes… Yes, that’s right. It was without a doubt, Mr. Innards. There’s no mistaking his mischievous grin, even from across the room.

His glassy eye glints in the morning light and I fist-pump the air.
“Fuck yeah! He’s here, man!” I exclaim.

Ben smiles back at me and we walk over to the window. From this angle we can be sure. His yellowed bone and ageing sinew seems to breathe in response to our disturbance. Or perhaps it’s just the dust in the beams of sunlight…

Good morning Gentlemen… I’ve been expecting you.

Why don’t you piece me together and we’ll get started. You’ll find my vital organs on the top shelf. My thinking cap on the bottom.

After diligently helping our teacher pull himself together, we take our seats as obedient students. Mr. Innards writes the topic of the day on the blackboard. That’s right – ‘School of Haikyo!’

Shall we begin..?

Ben and I spend the next couple of hours really enjoying some good photography. Our subject had just the right blend of decay and retro intrigue. And his smile never faltered during those two hours. Not once.

Even, I might add, when he got a bee stuck in his bonnet. Quite literally!

And so it was that Mr. Innards so surpassed my expectations that it seems befitting that this school – just an ordinary elementary school at first glance – should henceforth be known as the ‘Kingdom of Mr. Innards’. For without him and his impish grin, it simply would not be the same.

After our lesson, we set our companion back at rest and finished up photographing the remainder of the school, thoroughly sated. Truly an exploration to remember on a beautiful Autumn day. Pure Haikyo Adventure!

]]>http://gakuran.com/eccentric-mr-innards-golden-kingdom/feed/2Sunday Night Ghost Islandhttp://gakuran.com/sunday-night-ghost-island/
http://gakuran.com/sunday-night-ghost-island/#commentsSun, 09 Mar 2014 10:44:58 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11161A documentary I coordinated and helped to film on Hashima Island (Gunkanjima) is airing on Sunday Night, an Australian television show, March 9th 2014 as we speak. Reporter PJ Madam shows us Japan’s ‘Ghost Island‘. The best source I have found so far to watch the video online is this one by movingentity: If that’s […]

]]>A documentary I coordinated and helped to film on Hashima Island (Gunkanjima) is airing on Sunday Night, an Australian television show, March 9th 2014 as we speak. Reporter PJ Madam shows us Japan’s ‘Ghost Island‘.

The best source I have found so far to watch the video online is this one by movingentity:

I’ll try to do a writeup of the filming behind this show. There is so much material we shot that never made it to the final cut, including an amazing interview with a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bomb whom also lived on Hashima for a period of time. The crew worked tirelessly across several days getting all manner of shots, using aerial drones, jibs and dollys and carrying heavy equipment back on forth among the rubble and deserve special mention: producer Richard Andrews, reporter P.J Madam, cameraman Leigh Hubner and soundman Dustin Eddo – fantastic job!

]]>http://gakuran.com/sunday-night-ghost-island/feed/6Why I Love Urban Explorationhttp://gakuran.com/why-i-love-urban-exploration/
http://gakuran.com/why-i-love-urban-exploration/#commentsWed, 26 Feb 2014 15:49:17 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11152I was first attracted to urbex (or ‘haikyo‘ in Japanese) by the promise of adventure. The thrill of touring abandoned buildings and sneaking around places one probably shouldn’t go. The excitement of finding long-forgotten rooms and corridors littered with remnants of the past, of trying to piece together the scraps of history left behind. Grabbing […]

I was first attracted to urbex (or ‘haikyo‘ in Japanese) by the promise of adventure. The thrill of touring abandoned buildings and sneaking around places one probably shouldn’t go. The excitement of finding long-forgotten rooms and corridors littered with remnants of the past, of trying to piece together the scraps of history left behind. Grabbing my camera, I headed out to photograph a dilapidated structure. My first destination was an old hospital in northern England. As I tiptoed around my heart was in my throat.

Just what was lurking around this next corner? Why was this building left abandoned? Are these floors really safe to walk upon?

I continued on, photographing the rusty relics I came across in each room and gradually building up a mental map of the structure. It was fascinating: a sign dangled down, ready to fall at any moment, and old patient records were strewn across the floor.

At the time I was a student at university about to complete my joint honours degree in Philosophy and Japanese. After graduation I came to work in Japan, and here I found a wealth of abandoned bubble-era structures that continued to fuel my interest in urban exploration. Japan has a thriving subculture devoted to the pursuit. “Haikyo Maniacs,” as they are sometimes labeled, are the equivalent of “urban explorers” overseas. As soon as I arrived, I headed down to the largest bookstore and discovered books detailing the subject with gorgeous photographs, historical records and accounts of nail-biting exploration.

It’s been five years now since I began this hobby and I have been lucky enough to explore numerous abandoned buildings. From small, wooden medical shacks hidden deep in the countryside of central Japan, to sprawling hotel ruins in the subtropical regions of Okinawa, and deserted mines tucked away on mountains. Although the same excitement bubbles up within me on each excursion, throughout my explorations I’ve also begun to experience a very different set of feelings.

Present in many of the ruins is a sense of sadness. It comes from the places themselves: the cracks in the walls of buildings giving way to creeping plants, the tatami mats sagging from years of leaky ceilings, and the fading photographs. I’m reminded that we are transient beings, all part of the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay and eventual death. It’s also possible to associate these observations with wabi-sabi, an aesthetic rooted in the acceptance of the transience of things. For me, it is a lingering, forlorn feeling for what once was, coupled with awe at the sight of nature reclaiming things for its own. An aged and unforced harmony that conceals a hidden beauty.

But in addition to the beauty, there are also many dangers involved when exploring abandoned buildings. The structures are often unsafe and at risk of collapsing. Many also contain hazardous substances and are not well ventilated. It’s also important to be aware that entering a structure may be considered trespassing. For these reasons it is not something I recommend pursuing lightly and one should be fully aware of all the risks before even considering venturing outside.

However, for me urban exploration has become a never ending source of inspiration. It’s a chance to encounter scenes quite unlike those we come across in every day life and document them before their inevitable demise. Perhaps, too, we may learn something about the world and ourselves in the process.

]]>http://gakuran.com/why-i-love-urban-exploration/feed/1Gaku-RUN-Man – Running the Tokyo Marathonhttp://gakuran.com/gaku-run-man-running-the-tokyo-marathon/
http://gakuran.com/gaku-run-man-running-the-tokyo-marathon/#commentsSat, 22 Feb 2014 15:20:53 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11143Today is the Tokyo Marathon! I signed up on a bit of a whim, but after defying the 1/10 odds and being selected, I started training for the big day. I injured myself during a long run several weeks ago after doing 32km, and my knee is still not fully recovered. For that reason I’ll […]

]]>Today is the Tokyo Marathon! I signed up on a bit of a whim, but after defying the 1/10 odds and being selected, I started training for the big day.

I injured myself during a long run several weeks ago after doing 32km, and my knee is still not fully recovered. For that reason I’ll be taking it really easy and may not finish the whole thing, but I’d like to give it my best shot nonetheless!

I’ll be wearing my gakuran, along with a gakuran-themed t-shirt designed by my friend Dave back in the U.K. If you see me on the streets, shout out my name for support! Just for today, I’ve modified my nickname from ‘Gakuranman‘ (meaning ‘schoolboy-coat-man’) to GakuRUNman, meaning something akin to schoolboy-running-man.

Gakuranman!

GakuRUNman!

Either is fine!

I’ll be checking Twitter via my phone along the way too, so please tweet me @gakuranman with the hashtag #gakuRUNman if you’re not able to get out to the race itself!

Finally, here’s a little video I made quickly. It’s all in Japanese, and I’ve no time to translate it right now. You can get the idea though :D.

]]>http://gakuran.com/gaku-run-man-running-the-tokyo-marathon/feed/1Hi! I’m a Foreigner! Racist Party Maskhttp://gakuran.com/hi-im-a-foreigner-racist-party-mask/
http://gakuran.com/hi-im-a-foreigner-racist-party-mask/#commentsWed, 12 Feb 2014 15:16:30 +0000http://gakuran.com/?p=11091Anyone who has lived in Japan for a reasonable amount of time (and many who have just visited) will have had the pleasure of visiting ‘Don Quixote’. A treasure-trove of sundry goods packed into a chain of multi-floored buildings splashed around the country. Quite central to one of the floor themes is costumes, ranging from […]

]]>Anyone who has lived in Japan for a reasonable amount of time (and many who have just visited) will have had the pleasure of visiting ‘Don Quixote’. A treasure-trove of sundry goods packed into a chain of multi-floored buildings splashed around the country. Quite central to one of the floor themes is costumes, ranging from luxurious, full-bodied outfits for cosplayers to cheap party goods guaranteed to draw a laugh at the company drinking party. And, as this post will explore, a selection of crude party jokes at the expense of foreigners.

At the cheap end of the costume scale are various masks depicting Japanese talento, overseas celebrities, movie characters and other oddities. Then right down the bottom, next to party poppers and goggle-eyed glasses, you’ll find this:

The infamous ‘Hi! I’m a Foreigner’ (ハ〜イ！外国人デス。) party mask, featuring sparkling blue party eyes and an abnormally large fake nose.

It’s important to note that this isn’t Don Quixote’s work. That honour belongs to party goods company JIG Paradise. It also certainly isn’t the only place you’ll find crude stereotypes of foreigners in Japan. The most recent mess was caused by ANA with their tactless commercial depicting a foreigner with, you guessed it, a huge nose. (ANA have since apologised and pulled the ad).

There are countless other examples, such as the McDonalds Mr James sketches and this Nagasaki Tabi-net advertisement.

The Evolution of Mr. Gaijin

What’s interesting about the Hi! I’m a Foreigner! mask is that it’s gone through several iterations, the latest of which is the most insulting yet. I’ve taken the liberty of creating a combined image to show to horrific evolution.

For those of you who cannot understand Japanese:

1) Hello Mr. Foreigner!
2) Hi! I’m a Foreigner!
3) Hi! I’m Michael!

They’ve gone too far this time. While I was never a fan of their racialised profiling of foreigners, it was always possible that one could just view them as light-hearted parody, the same way Monty Python produced countless hilarious skits poking fun at the quirks of people from different races and cultures.

In fact, in the original version, JIG were even kind enough to add -san to the end of ‘gaijin’. In Japanese, this makes the word polite, so it would be equivalent to saying ‘Mr. Foreigner’ instead of just ‘foreigner’. Not too shabby.

However, that wasn’t to last. Buckling under the pressure of activists, JIG revised the product to read ‘Hi! I’m a Foreigner’. The package illustration was also changed owing the fact that between the years of 2008-2012, the Japanese national perception of male foreigners changed to view them as long-haired outsiders. Intelligence suggests this was in part due to the falling popularity celebrities such as David Beckham and increase in longed-haired stallions such as Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom.

The change from ‘gaijin’ to ‘gaikokujin’ and why this was significant requires a little explanation. The word ‘gaijin’ is a contraction of the full Japanese word ‘gaikokujin’ meaning ‘outside country person’, or, ‘foreigner’. Used on its own, the word ‘gaijin’ can feel quite insulting to those not of Japanese descent. I even wrote a full article on the topic a few years ago to discuss the issue.

So, theoretically, changing ‘gaijin’ to ‘gaikokujin’ should have solved the problem. That was obviously the thinking behind imagineers at JIG. It doesn’t seem to have appeased our humourless activists though, and once again JIG’s hand has been forced to play down the explicitness of the foreigner joke, as they note in this press release.

To their credit, JIG changed the ‘Black-beard Foreigner’ product to ‘Black-Beard Men’ (although I still take issue with their sexism there), and ‘Mr. Nose-Glasses Foreigner’ to ‘Mr. Nose-Glasses’. But with the ‘Hi! I’m a Foreigner’ product, they’ve only made it worse, and far more personal. Not content with singling me out by lack of Japaneseness, it seems I, along with Michaels worldwide, are now named and shamed for our blue eyes and big noses in a direct and malicious fashion.

I shall of course be writing to JIG Paradise head management to express my displeasure at the sullying of my name and image and by making a formal complaint to the Consumer Affairs Agency in the Cabinet of Japan. At the very least I expect a disclaimer added to the packaging making it clear that not all Michaels have long, golden locks, blue eyes and abnormally large noses and it is inappropriate to market a product that begets this misunderstanding. It is my humble suggestion that they change the product to ‘Blue-Eyed-Goldilocks-san’ and be rid of all the racist and sexist undertones altogether.

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In case it wasn’t been abundantly clear, this post was written in jest! Well, half in jest. I honestly do think there are issues with racial profiling in Japan that need to be better addressed, and products like ‘Mr. Gaijin’, while not what I would call ‘racist’, do reinforce deep-rooted stereotypes which are often viewed in earnest by people who honestly don’t know any better.

However, I also (shockingly) have a sense of humour! Using racial and cultural exaggerations for the purpose of parody and humour is, in my humble opinion, fair game. It can however be very crude and unfunny if not used in exactly the right way, and it will always offend somebody, somewhere, no matter how expertly done.

What is tricky however, is how far a commercial company should be allowed to go in use of racial profiles for business ends. Racism is present all around the world, but for some cultures and peoples more than others, there is a long history of racial injustice that they and their ancestors had to bear. Showing sensitivity and maintaining a little common sense in regards to these issues is extremely important.

I’m not in any position to make a judgement on what level of parody should be acceptable, only that it seems apparent to me that humanity would be losing something very important if we don’t keep our sense of humour.

Finally, kudos to JIG Paradise for listening to feedback and acting to improve their products! (And I say that in earnest with my wide blue eyes and moderately large nose).